Energy and Sustainability: Key Factors to Staying Competitive

Research results from Ecova predict that 2014 will be a challenging
year for those responsible for managing energy resources. According to
the research, 2014 will be the year that forces companies to take
steps to improve results and build a total energy and sustainability
management strategy to remain competitive.

Cost
is Key

In the report “2014: Energy and Sustainability Predictions:
Findings from Leading Professionals,” nearly half of the 500
survey respondents said that implementing no-cost and low-cost
efficiency efforts are their top priority this year. Cost is the
biggest influencer of energy and sustainability initiatives and will
play a huge role in the near future as energy and resource prices are
expected to rise.

Energy was the number one target for savings, with water a close
second: 70 percent of respondents said that increasing water costs are
a concern but also the greatest area of opportunity for efficiency improvements.

Develop a Clear Strategy

As with any significant venture, it is critical to develop a
strategyfor prioritizing energy conservation measures (ECMs)
and managing them. If your company has never embarked on an ECM
before and you anticipate some skepticism, begin with a more
traditional effort like energy efficient lighting or water
conversation measures that may be easier to push through approvals
than a plan for more cutting-edge technology, like rooftop solar panels.

Clearly communicating the tangible and intangible benefits of an
ECM is also important to get leadership buy-in. Tangible benefits
may include something as concrete as cost savings or getting ahead of
likely government regulations, while a less tangible benefit may be an
improved public perception of your brand that can help with talent
recruitment and retention.

With a host of technologies and performance management solutions on
the market, the act of managing a building or company’s energy use may
become easier. But the cost and regulatory pressures will only
increase, and those companies that act now are more likely to incur
greater financial and energy savings down the road.

Let Trane Help

Are you looking to make your high performance building more
sustainable, energy efficient and less costly to manage? Learn
how Trane can help you maximize your return on precious energy
resources in 2014.